The General Authority for Statistics (Gastat), a government agency in Saudi Arabia, has won the bid to host the United Nations World Data Forum in Riyadh after a competitive bidding process, highlighting its advancements in statistical work, and the kingdom’s experience in hosting international events, a report said.

The decision was made by the High-level Group for Partnership, Coordination and Capacity-Building for Statistics for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (HLG-PCCB), Saudi Press Agency, SPA, said.

Gastat President Dr Fahad Aldossari presented Saudi Arabia’s bid to the HLG-PCCB group. His presentation highlighted Gastat’s advancements in statistical work, and the kingdom’s experience in hosting international events and its commitment to providing logistical support for a successful forum.

Saudi Arabia proposed the theme ‘Using the Latest Technologies and Methodologies to Enhance Global Statistical Systems and Enable Sustainable Development’ for the forum.

Aldossari said: “Statistical data plays a crucial role in driving comprehensive and sustainable development across all fields.”

He also said that winning the bid to host the UN World Data Forum in 2026 is testament to GASTAT's significant advancements in the statistical field.

 "The recent expansions in statistical work, driven by Gastat's initiatives and projects, have enabled us to produce accurate and updated statistical data and indicators," Aldossari said.